NFL says pass interference should have been called on final Giants-Commanders play

No-call sealed critical victory for Giants

The NFL has reportedly acknowledged to the Washington Commanders that defensive pass interference should have been called in the end zone against Darnay Holmes of the New York Giants on Washington’s final offensive play in Sunday’s 20-12 Giants’ victory.

Holmes was in coverage against Curtis Samuel on the final Washington play, ending up batting Taylor Heinicke’s pass down.

Here is video of Holmes covering Samuel on the final play:

Here is referee John Hussey to a pool reporter after the game:

“Pass interference is a judgment call. To the officials it didn’t rise to what they felt was a restriction, thus they didn’t call it. That’s basically the bottom line there.”

Giants coach Brian Daboll has this to say about the play in his post-game press conference:

“That was a good play. Good play.”

Holmes said after the game he knew Heinicke would target Samuel.

“If you’re able to watch film and see all fourth downs, Heinicke and 10 (Samuel) is the guy he goes to,” Holmes said. “I knew, it’s fourth down. I’m going to have to plaster. That’s just what it was. He ran his first route, slight fade, and from there they just plastered. And from there, I had to keep my eyes on the man and once the ball was in the air, make a play on the ball.”

The victory left the Giants at 8-5-1 and in good position to reach the playoffs. Right now, they are the No. 6 seed. Washington (7-6-1) is the No. 7 seed.